Although Dwele has had somewhat of a short career as a commercially avaliable artist, he has a vast catalogue of material currently unreleased that die-hard fans revere as some of his best work, considerably superior to his material released as a signed artist that showcases the true depth of his artistic and diverse talent, displayed without constraint.
Gardner was raised on the west side of Detroit in a musical family. He played piano from the age of six, later taking up trumpet, bass and guitar. He was deeply affected by the fatal shooting of his father outside his home when he was age ten, later stating "I learned to put my emotions into music; it was my therapy."
He cites Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard as favorite artists, and took inspiration from hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, becoming an MC, and working with Slum Village. Gardner recorded a demo in his bedroom, called, The Rize, and sold it out of the trunk of his car. He had about 100 copies, which sold out within a week. He caught the ears of local heroes Slum Village and more specifically their world-renowned producer J Dilla. Slum Village invited Dwele to sing the hook of the song "Tainted" for their album Trinity (Past, Present and Future). It became an instant classic and led to more high profile work with female rapper Bahamadia, the all-star group Lucy Pearl and London's New Sector Movement. Dwele signed to Virgin Records in 2003, who released his debut album, Subject, which mixed neo soul and hip hop. In a 2005 review in The Independent, his style was summed up: "Dwele's rooted in vintage soul but isn't stuck in the past, overly reverential or an exercise in pastiche - there's a major hip-hop edge which betrays his original incarnation as a rapper." A second album, Some Kinda..., followed in 2005. He then later signed with RT Music Group and KOCH records in March, 2008. He is coming out with his fourth album titled, W.W.W. (W.ants. W.orld. W.omen) coming out June 29, 2010. Dwele was recently featured on the first single off of Kanye West's fifth studio album, Good Ass Job. The song was entitled "Power" and was leaked on May 28, 2010.
Spiritual
Dwele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes we must go
We must look at our situations lady
And how could u make me chose
Between you and my first life
There's so many others
Wishing that they can raise their families
And playing and traveling
But you keep me within chain
Holding, keeping me from leaving
I hope for the day
When you and I can agree
And we can live like we ardor be
Girl its all for you
And you call me
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
The lyrics of Dwele's song "Spiritual" are quite introspective and speak to the struggle between one's personal pursuits and commitments they have made to a significant other. The opening lines, "There oh yea yea oh/Sometimes we must go" set the tone for the song which describes a conflicting situation. The singer is trying to navigate through the complicated waters of a relationship. He is being asked to choose between his personal aspirations and his commitment to his loved one. The line "And how could you make me choose/Between you and my first life" is particularly telling, describing the conflict between choosing to follow his own dreams or to remain tied to his current situation.
The song goes on to describe the frustration the singer feels, as he feels that his partner is holding him back from living the life he truly desires. "But you keep me within chain/Holding, keeping me from leaving" describes the feeling of being trapped within a relationship, unable to pursue one's own path in life. However, there is still hope for a resolution, as the singer expresses a desire to find common ground with his partner. "I hope for the day/When you and I can agree/And we can live like we ardor be/Girl it's all for you" indicates a willingness to compromise and work towards a future in which both parties can be satisfied.
Overall, "Spiritual" is a poignant and relatable song which speaks to the complexities of relationships and the conflict between personal aspirations and commitment to others. The lyrics are delivered with a smooth and soulful melody, making it a standout track on the album.
Line by Line Meaning
There oh yea yea oh
There are times when we must face and confront reality, even if it is difficult.
Sometimes we must go
Occasionally we have to leave behind what we are comfortable with to move forward.
We must look at our situations lady
It is necessary to evaluate our current circumstances, especially in romantic relationships.
And how could u make me chose
Why would you make me pick between you and other significant aspects of my life?
Between you and my first life
An ultimatum between a romantic partner and one's original priorities.
There's so many others
Plenty of other people also struggle with this same predicament.
Wishing that they can raise their families
Desiring the opportunity to take care of their loved ones and build a family.
All first at the same
Everyone deserves to be a priority sometimes.
And playing and traveling
Enjoying life's simple pleasures and leisure activities as a family.
But you keep me within chain
Feeling restrained by the expectations or demands of another person.
Holding, keeping me from leaving
Feeling trapped in a relationship, making it difficult to move on.
I hope for the day
Anticipating change and better outcomes in the future.
When you and I can agree
When both parties come to an understanding and are on the same page.
And we can live like we ardor be
We can live the lives we truly desire, free from constraints.
Girl its all for you
Willing to make sacrifices and put effort into maintaining the relationship.
And you call me
Being called out or tested in a relationship.
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Possibly referencing the danger of losing oneself or becoming consumed by public attention and notoriety.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
An expression of emotion or fervor.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@traviswheeler7372
So underrated.....classic singer and music 🎶......
@ninataylor5473
Dwele, you're incredible! Thank you for being you! :-)
@YourFavSpitter
feeling blessed to be here in 2021 going to 2022. Thank you Dwe
@JussBennyYoungBoss
Best song on the album for me, simplicity 👌🏾
@ThaStarrahBeats
I wish this was longer. The rhodes, the background vocals; it's just beautiful.
@sonnluvv
Can't stop listening over and over...........
@tharealmacoil69
This track is that PURE UNCUT DOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm on a natural HIGH! Man Spiritual has got this sista LIFTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #DweleforLife
@saunyaaa
Ok so am I the only one who felt a lil jealous when Dwele embraced 'ol girl like that?? hmmmph! Shoulda been me....haha! Loved the video! Can't wait for your next project! *Muah*
@LadyLuckDC
one of my all time favorite songs from u.... wow this gives me chills....I can so relate.... much love your DMV homie! *i'm going to add some vids from Essence, BB Kings, and PA soon.*
@teamFRANKIEtv
MAN is that ROSEDALE PARK!!? you're killin me bringin it back home like that! i grew up on Warwick. I think that's my Aunt's house!